Flashback Friday: Jon B and The Cranberries

Every Friday, we’ll share an older album that paves the way for our weekend. We invite you to do the same.

Longtime Georgia Mae contributor Karie shared this one:

Jon B, Cool Relax (1997)

Karie said “his sophomore album solidified him as a blue-eyed soul artist.” No doubt about it. “They Don’t Know” was one of the biggest R&B records of 1998 and the entire collection is arguably Jon B’s best work. Cool Relax lived up to its name – laid back, alluring and romantic.

Javacia said: I take a lot of flack from friends and family for having extremely eclectic music tastes. Blame it on The Cranberries. Though I started listening to an Aerosmith song here and there when I was about 12, No Need to Argue was the first album I purchased that was outside the realm of hip-hop and R&B. The clashing cymbals and screaming electric guitars in the hit song “Zombie” left me thirsty for more alternative rock and Dolores O’Riordan’s raw and unique vocals paved the way for my love for artists such as Ani DiFranco.

This album also has a special place in my heart because I listened to the title track “No Need to Argue” on repeat, with tears streaming down my face, when I broke up with my first boyfriend. Pitiful, I know. Check out:

Now, it’s your turn. Email edward@soulinstereo.com, hit us up on Twitter, or stop by the comments section and share your Flashback Friday album. Leave a couple of sentences describing what makes it so great. We’ll feature your album on the blog.